It’s a classic case of citizen journalism that Jeff Jarvis has been preaching for some time over at Buzzmachine.com. People on the ground are questioning why 900 teenagers were buried in the earthquake when their school collapsed. Was it shoddy construction that the government didn’t stop because of corruption?

People posted videos of the damage on Tudou, a major user-generated video-sharing site in China—before it was removed. A large number of people posted on the popular Baidu posting site.

Let’s hope Beijing does better in helping the people of Sichuan province that Washington did in New Orleans. The Chinese bloggers can only shed light on the situation—and pressure on government officials—to move quickly.

Reader Comments

Lee

May 13, 2008 5:46 PM

While the Chinese government is far from perfect, it is now trying its best to help the people. Buildings collapse during an earthquake regardless of precautions taken, this is not the time for guessing and blaming. My sympathies goes out to all the victims and their families.

Sam

May 13, 2008 7:09 PM

While the Chinese government is not perfect (no kidding!) now is the time to lay blame. If you wait until everyone is smiling and waving flags then no one will listen. If you hit them when you can see the glaring incompetence (poorly built schools as an example) then you are more likely to get some to pay attention and force them to do something! Now is not the time to ‘Save Face’.

Yuhao

May 14, 2008 1:04 PM

Are you kidding me? Did Washington help New Orleans, with tanks and guns? LOL

Andy

May 15, 2008 10:30 PM

This could be a man-made earthquake ... new weapon test by an outsider.

Kris

May 16, 2008 12:12 AM

I'm not sure this was a web only movement. The leadership of China including the Primer Minister was on the ground within days.

fawaz

May 19, 2008 4:26 PM

ok.thanks

Rick

May 19, 2008 8:59 PM

As far fetched as it may sound, I'm wondering if Andy is right in that the Chinese earthquake could be man-made. I've read that the technology is out there and it would certainly fit the de-population goals of the elite.

Penny

May 21, 2008 2:29 AM

I'm sure everyone has a different opinion but its over we just have to move on

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